Ina Bakes Studio Opens in Venice — Two Santa Monica pastry chefs, Carolina Sigbaum and Sabrina Sin, launched Ina Bakes Studio in Venice. Their pop-up events featured handcrafted desserts, building on their online connection and shared culinary expertise to create a community gathering space.
Priest Completes 3,800-Mile Bike Ride — Jesuit Father Matthew Ruhl cycled 3,800 miles to Santa Monica Pier, raising awareness and funds for 112 crumbling Catholic schools in Belize. His "Lighthouse Ride" highlighted dire conditions affecting educational infrastructure serving 32,000 students.
Council Expanded Off-Site Housing Program — Santa Monica City Council expanded a pilot program allowing developers to build affordable housing off-site or pay fees. Councilmember Jesse Zwick argued this flexibility was necessary due to high construction costs and interest rates.
Malibu Extended Franklin Fire Emergency — Malibu City Council extended its emergency declaration for the Franklin Fire to address ongoing debris and sediment buildup. This marked the sixth extension since the fire began, highlighting continued recovery challenges.
Foundation Awarded $2.52M Grant — Santa Monica Education Foundation awarded a $2.52 million grant to SMMUSD. This funding, raised through community participation rather than just major donors, supported various school programs and curriculum enhancements for local students.
196-Unit Building Debuts on Broadway — Related California opened a 196-unit luxury residential building at 700 Broadway. The development replaced a former Vons and featured extensive amenities, including an Equinox gym and a new upscale grocery store.
County Launched Immigration Impact Grants — Los Angeles County launched a $5,000 grant program for small businesses impacted by federal immigration enforcement. The fund helped retailers recover from economic disruptions caused by enforcement activities affecting workforce and foot traffic.
Police Recovered $500K in Stolen Nike Merchandise — LAPD recovered $500,000 in stolen Nike merchandise from a Santa Monica business. Detectives executed a search warrant as part of a cargo theft investigation involving railroad and port police.
Council Approved Commercial Property Corrections — Santa Monica City Council approved zoning corrections for two commercial properties, allowing them to conform to current uses despite resident opposition regarding potential high-rise development. The decision aimed to help owners lease buildings.
$35.5M Pier Bridge Replacement Approved — City Council approved a $35.5 million contract to replace the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge. Construction was slated to begin in late 2025, aiming for completion before the 2028 Olympics.
Former Student Becomes Math Teacher — Jasson Martinez, a former Santa Monica High School student, returned to the campus as a math teacher. His journey highlighted the district's success in inspiring students to pursue education careers within their community.
Malibu Schools Installed Backup Generators — Malibu schools completed installation of emergency generators across all four campuses. Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton confirmed the move ensured power during outages after the district faced 22 days of fire-related closures.
City Terminated Civic Auditorium Negotiations — City Council voted to end exclusive negotiations with Revitalization Partners Group for the Civic Auditorium restoration. Councilmembers cited lack of financial documentation after nearly two years of discussions regarding the $360 million project.
Council Approved Signature Events Program — Council unanimously approved a "Signature Events" program to streamline permitting for major community festivals. The initiative reduced bureaucratic hurdles and costs for organizers, ensuring city support for events boosting local culture.
2025 Water Quality Report Approved — City Council approved the 2025 Water Quality Report, confirming Santa Monica's drinking water met all safety standards. While some voluntary advisory levels were exceeded, the supply complied with federal and state regulations.
County Provided $31.7M in Emergency Grants — Los Angeles County distributed $31.7 million in emergency grants to over 3,400 households impacted by 2025 wildfires. The rapid-response program provided financial aid for housing, food, and essentials just weeks after devastation.
Council Scheduled Uller Settlement Meeting — City Council scheduled a special meeting to address more claims involving former PAL volunteer Eric Uller. The city had already paid over $200 million to settle hundreds of sexual abuse allegations.
Commission Approved Controversial Condo Project — Planning Commission approved a controversial condo project despite resident concerns. The decision reflected ongoing tensions between state housing mandates and local community preferences regarding density and neighborhood character.
Two Commissioners Resigned — Two Santa Monica commissioners resigned, citing internal conflicts and issues with city leadership. These departures complicated the city's efforts to fill volunteer board positions and highlighted friction within local governance.
County Protected Benefits from Federal Changes — LA County Supervisors approved a plan to protect 1.7 million residents from losing Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits due to new federal work requirements, aiming to prevent a crisis in 2026 and 2027.
Mad Creators Camp Launched — Two local mothers launched "Mad Creators Camp" to provide arts education during school closures. The camp offered creative alternatives to traditional drilling, helping working parents manage childcare during teacher training days.
District Updated Transit Policies — SMMUSD updated six transportation policies to align with new state laws and prepare for electric buses by 2035. Changes included fee exemptions for low-income students and stricter drug testing for drivers.
Angel Awards Raised $438K — The inaugural Angel Awards Gala raised over $438,000 for Upward Bound House to fight family homelessness. Celebrity chefs and stars gathered at Santa Monica Proper Hotel to support the nonprofit's housing services.
Supervisor Canceled Ocean Avenue Projects — Supervisor Lindsey Horvath canceled two interim housing projects on Ocean Avenue due to lack of community engagement. She directed the Department of Mental Health to find alternative sites, acknowledging broken trust with residents.
District Reported Strong Teacher Retention — SMMUSD reported strong teacher retention rates, attributing success to comprehensive support programs. The district updated employment policies to ensure equal opportunity and build a workforce reflecting diverse student population.
Council Approved Housing Project Standards — Council approved new transparency standards for supportive housing projects. Initiated by Mayor Negrete, the measure required better coordination and community engagement protocols following backlash over recent surprise announcements.
Study Warned of Sea Level Rise Risks — A new study warned Malibu faced severe risks from sea level rise, threatening Highway 1 and thousands of homes. The assessment highlighted vulnerability of the city's narrow beaches and critical infrastructure.
State Enacted Car Buyer Protection Law — California enacted a comprehensive car buyer protection law creating a three-day return period for used vehicles. Authored by Sen. Ben Allen, the legislation banned deceptive practices and mandated transparent pricing.
Malibu Marked PCH Crash Anniversary — Malibu officials marked two years since four Pepperdine students were killed on PCH, highlighting safety improvements. The city saw reduced collisions thanks to new speed cameras and traffic signal synchronization.
Union Mandate Proposal Faced Opposition — A proposal requiring businesses on city property to sign labor peace agreements faced opposition. Business groups argued the mandate posed constitutional concerns and economic risks, while supporters advocated for unionization.
Joshua Tree Faced Shutdown Threats — During a potential government shutdown, Joshua Tree National Park could remain open but with reduced services, risking vandalism and sanitation issues. Previous shutdowns led to significant damage and waste accumulation.
Google Became LA28 Founding Partner — LA28 announced Google as a founding partner and official cloud provider for the 2028 Olympic Games. The partnership aimed to enhance viewing experience through NBCUniversal's coverage using Google's technology.
Ocean Avenue Facility Sparked Concerns — A proposed mental health housing facility on Ocean Avenue sparked community concern. The project, managed by St. Joseph Center, aimed to house individuals with acute needs but faced criticism over transparency.
Ankle Monitors Found on Beach — Several disabled ankle monitors were found abandoned on Santa Monica beach, raising concerns about unsupervised criminals. Police stated tracking was managed by county or state agencies, advising residents to report findings.
Coastal Commission Approved Gladstones Project — Coastal Commission approved a Frank Gehry-designed replacement for Gladstones restaurant. The project involved celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck but faced opposition from residents concerned about parking and traffic in the fire-prone area.
City Joined Disaster Preparedness Lawsuit — Santa Monica joined a legal challenge against federal requirements linking disaster preparedness funds to immigration enforcement. The city argued emergency funding should not be conditional on cooperation with federal agents.
Authorities Arrested Palisades Fire Suspect — Authorities arrested Jonathan Rinderknecht for starting the devastating Palisades Fire. Investigators alleged he used a lighter in a dry brush area, and digital evidence suggested he generated images of burning cities beforehand.
Report Called for LAFD Reforms — An independent report called for major LAFD reforms following the Palisades Fire, including better staffing policies and technology for recalling off-duty firefighters. The review highlighted failures in communication and resource deployment.
Proponents Disputed Subsidy Analysis — Proponents of revitalizing the Civic Auditorium disputed the city's analysis of subsidy requirements. They argued the venue could be restored without city funds, challenging staff's claim that significant public subsidy was necessary.
City Avoided Major Rain Damage — Santa Monica avoided major damage from the first significant October rain, experiencing only a minor water main break. The storm served as a test for the city's infrastructure ahead of winter.
Residents Held No Kings Protest — Residents gathered at Palisades Park for a "No Kings" protest against perceived authoritarianism under the President. The peaceful demonstration joined nationwide rallies advocating for democratic norms and opposing executive overreach.
Organizations Provided Shutdown Relief — Military relief organizations provided interest-free loans to service members unpaid during the government shutdown. Nonprofits like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society stepped in to prevent financial crises for military families.
Fire Damage Caused PCH Closures — Ongoing repairs from fire damage continued to cause lane closures on Pacific Coast Highway. Caltrans advised caution as crews worked to restore the roadway and stabilize slopes before winter rains arrived.
Plan Warned of $1.5B Disaster Losses — A new hazard mitigation plan warned Santa Monica faced $1.5 billion in potential losses from natural disasters. Sea level rise posed the greatest long-term financial threat, alongside risks from earthquakes and wildfires.
USPS Announced Holiday Readiness — USPS announced it was prepared for the holiday rush with new shipping options and a modernized network. They highlighted improved delivery reliability and advised customers on shipping deadlines for the upcoming season.
Polls Showed Sports Betting Criticism — Recent polls showed Americans were becoming critical of legalized sports betting's societal impact, though they remained tolerant of it in professional sports. This shift came amidst growing scandals involving athletes.
Massive Vons Supermarket Opened — A massive new Vons supermarket opened in Santa Monica to eager crowds. The store, located at Lincoln and Broadway, was the city's largest full-service grocer, offering extensive amenities and community service focus.
Newsom Signed Pet Rescue Bill — Gov. Newsom signed three bills by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur addressing pet rescue during disasters, transgender identity documents, and sterile syringe access. AB 478 required cities to establish pet rescue procedures during evacuations.
Locanda Positano Owner Passed Away — The community mourned Michelangelo Pinto, owner of Locanda Positano, who died unexpectedly. Pinto had served the Marina del Rey community for over 15 years, leaving a void in the local culinary scene.
Groups Demanded Zwick Investigation — Neighborhood groups demanded an investigation into Councilmember Jesse Zwick's new job with a housing coalition. Critics alleged a conflict of interest, while Zwick maintained his employment didn't compromise his council duties.
Sister City Delegation Visited — A delegation from Fujinomiya, Japan, visited Santa Monica to celebrate their long-standing partnership. The cultural exchange included visits to local schools and reaffirmed the bond between the two sister cities.
Region Faced Critical Fire Conditions — Southern California was under critical fire weather alerts due to heat, dryness, and Santa Ana winds. The conditions raised the risk of rapid wildfire spread, prompting warnings for residents in interface areas.
State Prepared for Special Election — California prepared for a unique special election focused solely on redistricting. Secretary of State Shirley Weber addressed security and monitoring concerns as voters decided whether to return map-drawing power to Legislature.
Council Approved Chi's Revitalization Plan — City Council unanimously approved City Manager Oliver Chi's revitalization plan to address budget deficits and operational efficiency. The plan reorganized departments and funding strategies to stabilize the city's financial future.
Study Found Count Underestimated Population — New research from RAND Corporation indicated the official Los Angeles homeless count missed up to 32% of the unsheltered population. The study raised serious concerns about resource allocation in the homelessness capital.
Officers Prevented Pier Suicide Attempt — Santa Monica police officers responded to a distress call at Santa Monica Pier on September 27. An officer grabbed an individual attempting to jump into the ocean, with assistance from Harbor Guard and bystanders.
Malibu Ordered Aggressive Fire-Risk Camping Enforcement — Malibu City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration targeting unpermitted camping in fire-prone areas, directing law enforcement to arrest violators. The move conflicted with LA County Sheriff's Department policy against criminalizing homelessness.
Yacht Club Secured Waterfront Site — California Yacht Club obtained a license agreement from Los Angeles County to use the former Tony P's Dockside Grill location in Marina del Rey. The club planned to create a restaurant following a fire.
City Reformed Organization Funding — Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved reforms prohibiting city-funded neighborhood organizations from endorsing political candidates, with violations resulting in five-year program bans. Funding shifted to an equity-based model calculated by household numbers.
LA28 Announced Major Partnerships — Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games announced partnerships with Starbucks, T-Mobile, AXS, and EVENTIM. Single tickets would start at $28 when registration opened January 2026.
Study Estimated Billions in Fire Losses — January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires could result in $5.2-10.1 billion in economic losses through 2029, destroying 16,000+ structures. Job losses were estimated at 28,000-55,000 job-years, affecting 6,800+ businesses.
Commission Reviewed Restaurant Demolition — California Coastal Commission reviewed a proposal to demolish the iconic Gladstones restaurant in Pacific Palisades and replace it with a Frank Gehry-designed establishment for Wolfgang Puck, including removing rock revetment.
Ocean Avenue Facilities Converted — Two former senior living facilities on Ocean Avenue's 400 block opened as supportive housing for 47 individuals with serious mental illness. Operated by St. Joseph Center, the project bypassed city approval processes.
Median Rent Reached $2,478 — Santa Monica's median rent reached $2,478 in October, up 2.1% annually, significantly outpacing California's 1.3% growth. Home prices ranged from $1.65-1.7 million, reflecting 15% five-year appreciation.
County Adopted Fire Response Reforms — LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted all recommendations from McChrystal Group's review of January's fires that killed 31 people. Reforms included restructuring the Office of Emergency Management into a full department.
SMC President Accepted to Stanford — David Duncan, 21, left high school to care for his grandmother but returned at Santa Monica College. As Associated Students president, he led during wildfires and political tensions, securing disaster relief. He was accepted to 23 universities.
County Moved to Declare Immigration Emergency — LA County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to declare a local emergency responding to federal immigration enforcement operations. The proclamation would empower the county to expedite contracting and hiring for support services.
City Hosted Two Major Free Festivals — Santa Monica hosted two major free festivals: Day of the Dog on Main Street featuring dog races and costume contests, and Off the Hook Seafood Festival on the pier with tastings from 25+ restaurants.
Council Restructured Discretionary Funds — Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved restructuring its $137,000 discretionary fund, moving $83,000 in recurring commitments to the operating budget. The fund reset at $140,000, divided among seven council members.
Council Approved Comprehensive Realignment — Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a multi-year realignment plan addressing homelessness, public safety, and a projected $29.6 million deficit. The plan deployed $60 million in reserves for immediate investments.
State Expanded Wildfire Mortgage Program — California significantly expanded its CalAssist Mortgage Fund, raising Los Angeles County income limits to $211,050 annually. The program provided grants up to $20,000 covering three months of mortgage payments for wildfire-affected homeowners.
City Issued 354 Fire Rebuild Permits — Malibu issued 354 permits for repairs and reconstruction following the Franklin and Palisades Fires, with 92 planning applications approved. The city launched a Fee Waiver Program eliminating municipal fees for like-for-like rebuilds.